Search - The Royle Family - The Complete Second Season on DVD

The Best of British Comedy

Hancy | 11/29/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have been a fan of British comedy for years, and I believe this is one of the best. This comedy has successed in doing what American television rarely does---making real people. These people are neither all pretty nor rich. I have purchased seasons 1 and 2, but I cannot figure out why number 3 has not been offered. This is a big disappointment."

Great Brit Series! but where is 3??

S.K. Dougan | Washington, USA | 08/03/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My husband suggested I watch these and they are great! Even though the series takes place in Manchester England I still see things that I think, OMG!! my family does that! lol
What I want to know is where is series 3??? And the Christmas special??"

The Royle Family Vol 2

Susan Lamphere | Colorado | 08/29/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Earthy, vulgar and thoroughly authentic, here is our favorite vulgar totally functional family, the Royles in 7 more episodes. You don't have to be an Anglophyle to appreciate the familial interactions of this working class family from the industrial north of England."

SMALL SCALE PERFECTION

Kerry Leimer | Makawao, Hawaii United States | 09/07/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Where have I been not to find out about this great show until now? This minimalist, keenly observed comedy is terrific precisely due to the fact that it's "not for everyone". And in addition to being so distinct in its production technique (we are nearly always voyeurs of a confined sitting room whose cramped quarters call to mind the claustrophobic "visits to mum" by the Krays), here we have something even more unique. The writing is always working on at least three levels: the humor that the characters share with each other; the humor the characters don't recognize themselves that is delivered solely to the viewer; and the often subtle and wry interplay between the character dialogue and whatever happens to be playing on the ever present television, the television that implicitly controls the sitting room and by extension, large chunks of the characters' lives.

Not to mention the now nagging certainty that we are often watching ourselves watching television.

As casual as the enterprise may seem, the acting is immaculately detailed, especially given the intimate scale of the program. The writers, cast and directors must be given credit for invoking such a genuine sense of place and character. Like the excellent character work in "Saxondale" and the even more cramped quarters of the monologue-driven, short-form "Marion & Geoff" (thanks in all cases, including TRF, to the talent of Henry Normal), "The Royle Family" is more innovative than it first appears, letting you laugh in unexpected ways. Even at the typestyle used for the credits -- it's called "Windsor"."